Mr Tan had admitted on Tuesday (Dec 17) that seven cats have died under the cafe's care since December last year either from sterilisation and veterinary complications or of a fatal viral disease called Feline Infectious Peritonitises.

The Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority (AVA) is investigating the cafe over the deaths of the felines.

The Straits Times reported that the cafe's licence expired on Wednesday and was not renewed by AVA.

Mr Tan has put the shop up for sale.

"After thorough considerations, I believe that in the best interest of our cats, they should be kept together as a family under a new owner. Hence, Cuddles Cat Cafe will be offered up for a business takeover."

He added: "Rest assured that I will be screening the new owners very thoroughly."